The excitement surrounding Watch Dogs when it released in 2014 quickly faded due to its underwhelming execution. What was supposed to be a revolutionary game with hacking mechanics and a vibrant open world turned out to be dull, humorless, and lacking in character development. But now, two years later, Watch Dogs 2 is here, and Ubisoft has a lot to prove.
New Character, New Vibe
One of the biggest changes in Watch Dogs 2 is the protagonist: Marcus Holloway. Gone is Aiden Pearce, the brooding, emotionless hacker from the first game, replaced by Marcus, a charismatic, street-smart, and fun-loving hacker. Marcus, despite being far from perfect, is much more engaging and likable, making him a character you can root for. His involvement with the hacking group DedSec leads him to fight against a city-wide surveillance system and an evil corporation, both of which threaten to take away people’s privacy and freedom.
The supporting characters of DedSec also get their time to shine. While they may feel over-the-top at times, especially the mask-wearing Wrench, they add flavor and humor to the game’s atmosphere, making the group fun to hang out with. While some may argue that they feel a bit forced, it’s hard to deny the enjoyment they bring to the table.
Gameplay: Hacking is Key
Watch Dogs 2 takes place in a condensed version of San Francisco, a city full of life and things to do. Like other open-world games, players can explore the city, take part in side missions, and engage in the main story at their own pace. However, the standout feature is the hacking mechanic. This is what sets Watch Dogs 2 apart from games like Grand Theft Auto V.
Players can hack anything from NPCs and vehicles to various electrical items in the environment. The options are extensive—drive cars remotely, cause explosions, change traffic lights, or even set police on your enemies. There are also fun gadgets like robots, including a car and a helicopter, to assist you in navigating difficult areas. These elements make the city feel interactive and alive, though some might feel that the hacking could use more variety.
In typical Ubisoft fashion, the map is packed with things to do—races, side quests, collectables, and hidden items. While this variety can be fun, it can also distract players from the main story. Side missions include everything from spray painting to kart racing, but at times, they start to feel repetitive. Still, there are standout moments, such as infiltrating a fake version of the Church of Scientology or hacking into Ubisoft’s own systems.
Online Multiplayer: A Mixed Bag
Watch Dogs 2 integrates online multiplayer into the main game, which can be both exciting and frustrating. Players can join co-op missions, invade other players’ games, or be hunted down if they cause chaos in the city. While this system adds some spontaneity and unpredictability to the experience, it can also be annoying, especially if you’re interrupted by hackers during a mission.
Thankfully, you can disable online invasions if they become too disruptive. However, the lack of an option to pause the game during online play can be frustrating, as players are left vulnerable during critical moments.
Performance and Graphics: A Step Up
Unlike the original Watch Dogs, which was infamous for its poor performance on PC, Watch Dogs 2 runs smoothly on most systems. The graphics are beautiful, especially the recreation of San Francisco, which looks great despite not living up to the original game’s flashy reveal. Character animations are well-executed, with motion capture making the characters feel more realistic.
However, the game’s driving mechanics are not as polished. Vehicles don’t handle as smoothly as you might expect, and the shooting controls are a bit loose. These issues don’t ruin the experience, but they do take away from the overall fun, especially when compared to other open-world games like Grand Theft Auto V.
Final Thoughts: A Fun Yet Familiar Adventure
Watch Dogs 2 is an enjoyable open-world game with plenty of personality, humor, and hacking mechanics that make it stand out from the crowd. The characters are a definite highlight, and the city of San Francisco offers a dynamic, engaging environment to explore. The online features can be irritating, and the gameplay at times feels a little too familiar, with some mechanics borrowed heavily from Grand Theft Auto V. Nonetheless, it’s an improvement over its predecessor and a solid choice for fans of open-world action games.
However, Watch Dogs 2 still doesn’t escape the shadow of Grand Theft Auto V, and the game’s violence feels out of place given the non-violent ideals of Marcus and DedSec. If you’re looking for a game with a unique experience, this might not be it, but for those who enjoy an engaging open-world experience with some fresh ideas, Watch Dogs 2 is certainly worth playing.
